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For many of us, buying and selling real estate is something we only do a few times in our lifetimes. It is extremely exciting, but the legal process associated with these transactions can be frustrating and daunting.

A conveyancing solicitor’s mission is to ensure the transaction between the buyer and seller happens smoothly and efficiently. Their job is to protect your interests, be your advocate and assist you meet your requirements under the Contract. This is a guide to help you make the correct choice when engaging a conveyancing solicitor.

Don’t limit yourself to the family or local solicitor - choose a specialist conveyancer.
Giving your work to the “family” solicitor or more commonly, a “local” solicitor will most likely result in you paying too much money for a sub-par service, particularly in Brisbane.

The conveyancing firm you pick should specialise in residential conveyancing or at the very least have a specialist conveyancing department. Solicitors who specialise in litigation or divorce rarely give the best or cheapest residential conveyancing service. Local knowledge is not a requirement of completing the job.

Conveyancing is mostly an administrative task. A phone and computer is all that’s needed to get the job done. There is no reason to ever meet with your solicitor during a typical sale or purchase. Because of this, there is no need to limit yourself to local solicitors. You are free to shop around and find a conveyancing specialist that will give you with the best service at a competitive price!

Fixed Fee Guarantees. Protect yourself from hidden extras!
Ask for an itemised quote upfront. Be cautious of any conveyancing quote that does not fully itemise all the individual costs and disbursements. Many companies charge extra fees for services such as photocopying, telephone calls, and witnessing mortgage documents. Check what is included in the fee and whether the quote is fixed or just an estimate. When individuals choose the services of a conveyancing solicitor that offers a fixed fee guarantee they will receive an upfront fixed fee quote. This will allow them to budget accurately and protect themselves from additional fees that may accrue in the event their transaction runs into unexpected difficulties.

“No move - no fee” Conveyancing
Some solicitors charge clients all or a portion of their conveyancing fees even if a contract is terminated due to circumstances beyond the clients’s control. Conveyancing transactions are often unpredictable. Only paying a solicitor if the transaction is successfully completed could save you a substantial amount of money in the long run. When buyers choose a conveyancing solicitor with a “no move - no fee” policy they will not be expected to pay any professional fees unless the transaction is completed.

Technologically advanced conveyancing solicitors
Conveyancing firms using the latest technology such as online case tracking, email and sms notification systems will save you time, money and the hassle of not knowing what’s going on. Online Case tracking is especially useful because every step of your transaction will be recorded online via a dedicated website. (You will be given a username and password). It gives you the ability to check on the progress of your settlement at any time of the day and know instantly if you’re making progress or what the causes of any hold ups are.

When do you instruct your conveyancing solicitor
The short answer is ASAP! Traditionally, buyers and sellers have waited until the contract was unconditional before instructing a solicitor. This would have been due to the fact that they did not want to incur any costs before knowing the transaction wasup and running. With a conveyancing firm working on the abovementioned “no move - no fee” policy there is no reason not to instruct them as soon as possible.

KRG Conveyancing is a specialist Brisbane Conveyancing law firm, they are more than happy to give you a conveyancing cost quote or calculate your queensland stamp duty for free!